This Carmenere from Chile's Colchagua Valley is another from The Wine Society. It's 14% abv and redresses my recent spending spree being only £6.25 a bottle. Amazing! Yes, it doesn't have the smoothness and complexity of a pricier model, but it's easy drinking and certainly makes for Purple Teeth. Mamma was pretty shocked by her blue tongue! You have been warned - this will require a good bit of toothbrush time, but it's great value, full bodied and very smooth for a bargain Organic wine. The over-riding flavour is plum, and it's probably a nice alternative if you're a Merlot drinker seeking a change.

Pinot Noir from Monterey in California by Hahn Family Winery (2010) is 14.5% alcohol, and a pretty deep red full bodied example of this grape, doubtless because of the Californian sunshine aiding ripening. It's available from Waitrose, at £12.99, though I was lucky enough to get this for £9.99 on the recent 25% discount offer. You might recall that Mr Purple Teeth is not a fan of Pinot Noir which he finds thin. This one blew him away. It could be the very ripe, almost jammy berry flavours, or the smooth full body. Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll be buying it again - this was not the first time of drinking it! You'll like it if you love flavours of mixed berry jam, wines that are smooth and velvety, and don't mind getting tipsy on one glass. Treat yourself!

This one was purchased and shared among some friends in José Sherry & Tapas bar on Thursday night after a tough day at Wine School. (Sorry I cannot recall the price, or alcohol level, and you probably can't buy it in a store near you but it's a fairly well respected Gomariz X Albariño from DO Ribeiro Spain). There I was spending the whole day tasting and analysing big cabernets, zinfandels and malbecs so in the evening it was great to have a delicious white, and a first taste for this region for me.. Crisp acidity makes this grape really refreshing. Sadly, I'm doing nothing here to prevent it's rise to fame and fortune and DO Rias Baixas Albariños are fast progressing to the pricey range. It is still possible to get just about reasonable versions in the supermarkets. Doubtless, one will end up here soon. Flavours are aromatic and include white peach, apricot with possible mineral finish. And as for José, it's definitely a tapas bar in the true Spanish style. Prices are sadly a little more "London", but we tasted several dishes and all were authentically prepared and delicious. I also tasted some excellent sherry and this is one of the few places in the city with a selection of finos, manzanillas, olorosos etc by the glass, served fresh and chilled as it should be. If you're ever near London Bridge or The Shard, it's worth popping down to Bermondsey Street. They don't take bookings and it does get very busy so early is good!

Bonterra 2010 Chardonnay (£11.99 from Waitrose) from Mendocino County in California. I've visited this winery and it's not just hype. They truly are trying to make their wines sustainably, with organic grapes and taking care of the local flora and fauna. While that's all very lovely - what the Purple Teeth public wants to know is, "does it taste good"? The answer is a resounding YES! I shared this among several friends as an aperitif to a large dance weekend. Several of the drinkers aren't exactly white wine fans, yet everyone seemed to really enjoy it. (Trust me, it was early evening and they weren't drunk yet!) It's got oak - so if you're not a fan of oaked chardonnays it may not be for you - but it's very well integrated French oak, and gives just a delicate creaminess on top of the citrus, pineapple and melon flavours, not just a big punch of butter. Yes, there are cheaper chardonnays out there, but I am pretty sure I'll be buying this one again, and I might not share it next time.Cheers!

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Purple Teeth

My name's Heather and I've been enjoying wine for over 20 years. I'm the 2013 winner of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Rhone prize for oustanding students at the advanced level.My mission is to share my passion for the myriad varieties of fermented grape juice, hopefully inspiring you to try something new, or to host a Purple Teeth wine party in your own home or business.

My blog mainly features wines you should be able to find on your local high street or online, and occasionally, I will review restaurants, travel and other forms of alcohol, since my qualification covers spirits too. I believe it's important to enjoy the calories and the cash we spend on alcohol, and I hope my guidance can help you reduce the risk of making a bad buy.

When I'm not drinking wine, you'll find me on the dance floor where West Coast Swing is my dance of choice. Socialising with the friends I've made there from all over the world has also brought me new adventures in alcohol! And just in case you're interested, I also write a blog called Confidence Within. You'll find it at heatherharrison.weebly.com

Remember to enjoy wine sensibly...For a woman, 2-3 units per day is the recommended maximum allowance. This equates to around one standard "pub measure" glass of wine:175ml of 13% alcohol wine is 2.3 units (and a scary 140 calories). You'll find all the facts you need about safe, moderate drinking at the www.Drinkaware.co.uk site. Purple Teeth supports safe drinking. Never drive or operate machinery after drinking alcohol.